BOSTON — Boston Bruins head coach Claude Julien confirmed this morning that defenseman Andrew Ference and forward PetteriNokelainen, in their continued attempt to return from injury, skated this morning and will not play this afternoon against the Buffalo Sabres at TD Banknorth Garden.

Defenseman Matt Lashoff joined the rehabbing duo, so the blueliner will be a healthy scratch as well. Expect the Bruins to have the same line-up they twice beat Pittsburgh with this week when they skate against the Sabres.

UPDATE (12:35 p.m.):Tim Thomas will be the Bruins’ starting goaltender, opposed by Ryan Miller for Buffalo. The Bruins are in their alternate black sweaters. And the forward lines and D pairs, as of warm-ups, are the same as Thursday night.